An author I'm very fond of coined the phrase "the incredible lightness of being". She used it in what is probably her best known novel, "Atlas Shrugged". What she was describing in her usage was that feeling that is a part of the human spirit, that ingrained nature within us that knows when something is right and just. She used the expression also to describe those achievements of man that are at the pinnacle and epitome of man's very nature to build and to achieve. A notable symbol that comes to mind is that of the World Trade Center buildings, as they were built to stand in all their greatness. I think it is appropriate at this six month anniversary of their destruction to remember them, to think of what they represented, and where we have come in our hearts and minds since that terrible event.

I had a QSO on the 147.210 MHz. repeater this morning with a few other Hams who were in this vein comparing notes. We were talking about the stir of patriotism that was engendered by the buildings' dramatic destruction. They were speaking of how good it was, and is, to see many people flying the U.S. flag on their cars and homes. They were in a few cases venting a bit of vitriol against those "who are not Americans". To this sort of patriotism I would say we need to take some care!

On a web page that I have a major input and authority, we thought long and hard about whether we would show the flag, as many web sites did almost immediately after September 11th. When I found an image of the flag that includes the New York skyline, and also marks the absence of the WTC buildings by replacing two white stripes of the flag with clear blue empty sky, I knew we had found an image that was appropriate. It was patriotic and carries our resolve to our country and its ideals, yet avoids any grotesque and overt statism. It's a fine thing to be patriotic. I think the best way to be patriotic is to remember what this country was established for. We are Yankees, with Yankee ingenuity. We stand for the right of all peoples to worship as they see fit. We defend the rights of all our citizens to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We build, and we prosper, and we keep it all rolling!

Ayn Rand in her novel expressed this as the protagonist of the story looks down the railroad track of her father's Taggert Transcontinental railway. Miss Rand likens the image to an enduring spirit that goes on and on. Let us keep such ideas in mind as we remember all that we lost on September 11th. Let's also remember what we have to gain. Allen Greenspan has recently said that our economy is showing good signs of recovery. The Pentagon has been rebuilt to the extent that the previous damage is almost undetectable. We are moving forward just like Ayn Rand's railroad tracks. We are building, and progressing, and renewing our strength in all of our beliefs and symbols. Let's keep this spirit and these symbols in mind and keep them constructive and positive!